Merle G. Rocke of Congerville, IL, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of his story.
Some legacies are not written; they walk the earth, named after those who came before.
GOODFIELD – Merle G. Rocke, 80, of Goodfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka surrounded by his loving family.
Merle was born on April 15, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois to Virgil E. and Pauline L. (Huber) Rocke. He married Beverly A. Schambach on July 19, 1970 in Elgin, Illinois.
Surviving are his wife, Beverly; two children, Matt (Nancy) Rocke of Goodfield, Illinois and Cherry (Jerry) Klopfenstein of Paulding, Ohio; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer Rocke, Jessica (David) Getz, James, Jodi, Justin, Jordan Rocke, and Angela (Mahlon) Steiner, Abram (Cherelle) Klopfenstein, Jacob, Bethany, Crystal Klopfenstein; and five great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Curtis (Beth) Rocke of Eureka; sister Jane (John) Wiegand of Salem, Oregon and sister-in-law, Kathy Rocke of Tremont.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Angela Marie, an infant son, and his younger brother, Nelson Rocke.
Merle was a graduate of Eureka High School and the University of Illinois. He went on to serve his country in Vietnam, then enjoyed a long career at Caterpillar. Following retirement from Caterpillar, he enjoyed several other business ventures and was always looking for ways to help others.
At the center of Merle's life were his faith and his family. He will be remembered for the love he shared, the values he instilled, and the encouragement he provided to those closest to him.
Merle was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Eureka, where funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. Church ministers will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Goodfield Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall and from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Friday, prior to services at the church. Burial will follow at Goodfield-Congerville Apostolic Christian Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.
